We demand FG to engage NIESV in disposal of assets initiative —President
The President of Nigerian Institution Of Estate Surveyors And Valuers (NIESV), Chief Emmanuel Wike has called on the federal government to engage professional estate surveyors and valuers in the disposal of assets forfeited.
The Federal government had inaugurated an Inter-Ministerial Committee on disposal of assets forfeited to the government.
Speaking at the National Secretariat of the Institution recently, he said NIESV commended and applauded the federal government initiative, stressing that the process must be in the interest of the country.
According to him, “We welcomed the initiative as a step in the right direction especially at this time when COVID-19 pandemic has virtually grounded the global economy. Proceeds from this exercise will be a source of additional revenue for the country at this time that the revenue from crude oil which is the mainstay of the nation’s economy is abysmally low.
“It is for this reason that the NIESV insisted that national interest must come before any other consideration in the execution of this noble initiative. We stated that, in the best interest of the country, professional Estate Surveyors and Valuers must be prominently involved in driving and executing the lofty initiative.
“As a professional body, we are willing and ready to partner with the Government through the Committee in this assignment of national importance.
“The NIESV wishes to commend the Federal Government under the able leadership of President Muhammadu Buhari for incorporating nearly all our requests into the proposed disposal of the forfeited assets.
“The Inter-Ministerial Committee on the disposal of forfeited assets in a publication signed by the Chairman Mr. Dayo Akpata SAN in the National dailies on Monday February 1, 2021, requested for submission of proposal for the valuation of forfeited assets to the Federal Government of Nigeria.
“This is in line with our position that the assets in question must be enumerated and valued by professional Estate Surveyors and Valuers to determine their current market values and to place same on the properties, and other assets.
“And in a press briefing by the Inter-Ministerial Committee, Tuesday, February 2, 2021, during which the composition was unveiled, a slot is reserved for ‘’any other Nigerian with exceptional expertise that could add value to the Committee as deemed fit by the Hon. Attorney General of the Federation and the Minister of Justice.’’
“An Estate Surveyor and Valuer unarguably fit perfectly into that description by virtue of law, training and competence. The NIESV congratulate the Federal Government of Nigeria for this bold and courageous step.
“We also commend the composition of the Inter-Ministerial Committee especially the inclusion of professionals and other stakeholders and congratulate all the members of Committee for their appointment.
“The Institution urges the Committee to discharge this very important national assignment with utmost dignity, transparency, fairness and responsibility in the interest of our beloved Nations.
“The Institution reckons with the fact that the much desired change in Nigeria will come when the right professionals are fully engaged for services they are trained to perform.
“To that extent, we commend the Federal Government once again for moving in that direction. As a Nation we are in precarious situation and all hands must be on deck to rescue of shrinking economy.”
He added that, “Finally, on behalf of the Institution, I urge the members of the Institution who would meet the published requirements for valuation and who would eventually be enlisted for the assignment to uphold the international best practices, with all sense of diligence, honesty and character in the execution of the assignment. The interest of the Nation must be uppermost in their hearts. Not less important is the dignity and reputation of the Profession and our Institution.”
